srijeda, 6. siječnja 2010.

After reportedly being subjected to persistent and unrelenting harassment by the Osasuna fans in last weekend's match at the Reyno de Navarra, Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo has played down talk that the verbal abuse is getting under his skin.

Subjected to insults such as "Cristiano, die!" in his first visit to Pamplona, Ronaldo has faced hostile, even intimidating atmospheres away from the Bernabeu.

CR9 experienced similar insults in the match against Barcelona at the Camp Nou, along with a laser pointed directly into his eyes, and missed a golden opportunity to score with just Victor Valdes at his mercy. Similarly, on Sunday, Ronaldo was unable to silence the crowd, exhibiting a number of poor touches and blasting a free kick dreadfully wayward into the stands.

However, the Portuguese phenom has been quick to dispel the notion that the insults are affecting his performance, saying they "go in one ear and out the other", as reported by Spanish sports daily Marca.

The winger also spoke of the huge amount of attention he is garnering as the new face of Real Madrid, commenting: "this has both its positives and its negatives. When we do things well, they applaud us a lot more, but when we do not go out and do what we want, we feel more pressure. Being received with whistles and insults is nothing new for me. After the 2006 World Cup (in which he slotted home a penalty to dump England out of the World Cup) this happened to me in every stadium in England and I ended up being chosen as the best player in the league. It doesn't affect me."

In an interview with the magazine So Foot before signing for Real Madrid, the Portuguese also spoke of this theme. "It does not really matter to me if they insult me...in fact I like it. I love seeing hate in their eyes and seeing the insults. It's not really important. The truth is that many people hate me, but there are many more who like me. I only feel poorly when I play poorly."

Bayern Munich are reportedly looking to ignite a bidding war between Barcelona, Chelsea and Inter in a bid to maximise the transfer fee of French midfielder Franck Ribery.

Despite the interest of these three clubs, AS reports that Real Madrid maintain the upper hand in attempts to sign Ribery with a tentative agreement believed to be in place between Real president Florentino Perez and the player's agent Alain Migliaccio since the summer.

It is understood that Chelsea are willing to part with up to €50 million in a bid to take the 26-year-old to London but must act fast to secure his services as they could still face a two year ban on transfer activity next month as a result of the Gael Kakuta affair.

Ribery is believed to have already rejected the overtures of Inter and Barcelona and has his sights firmly set on a transfer to Madrid during the summer but Los Blancos are determined to pay the Bavarian giants no more than €25-30 million to take the Frenchman to the Bernabeu.

Despite Lazio president Claudio Lotito declaring that his prize assets were not for sale, Real Madrid could be getting ready to make a swoop for defender Aleksandar Kolarov.

Los Blancos are in need of a left-back, according to AS, and the Serbian would fit the requirements perfectly. After not being able to tempt Fiorentina's Juan Manuel Vargas to the Bernabeu, the 24-year-old is seen by the nine-time Champions League winners as a suitable replacement.

Madrid president, Florentino Perez, would be willing to meet with Lotito, in order to discuss the possibility of this move and the final price for the player, which is said to be between €18-20 million.

As reported by Barcelona-based sports daily Sport, Manchester United has decided to wait until the end of the current season before mounting an assault for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

The Red Devils are said to be extremely interested in the former Olympique de Lyon talisman and the intention is to put a little more than €22 million on the table to try to convince Los Blancos to sell.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson already made a push for the French striker last summer, before being out-muscled by Madrid president Florentino Perez.

The Premier League side believes that in the next few months Benzema will continue to fall short of the lofty expectations placed upon him and that Madrid will be obligated to accept a lower amount than they originally paid for him.

Benzema has had a very well documented period of adjustment to La Liga, relegated to the bench for many of Madrid's matches in the first half of the season.

However, in the last month, as the player has become more comfortable with life in Spain and the Spanish language, he has exhibited an improvement in form, most notably against Valencia (when he started the match in place of the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo) and Zaragoza.

Benzema is currently Madrid's third leading scorer with five goals and reports out of Madrid seem to indicate that the Frenchman will start next weekend's match against Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid are making waves in Taiwan amidst news that the Spanish giants may visit the island for a friendly match following World Cup 2010.

Los Blancos are set to commemorate the one year anniversary of Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium in a friendly against China later this summer and Taiwanese marketing company Dot Han are hoping to boost their country’s profile by squeezing in a friendly of their own.

Elephant Ching, a senior executive of the Dot Han Company who are attempting to seal an agreement with Real Madrid officials, told a press conference, “The presence of Madrid will help raise the international profile of Taiwan and promote tourism and Flora Expo 2010."

Ching went on to admit that “It is a very rare and precious opportunity for Taiwan to host a star-studded premier football team,” before adding a friendly against the Real Madrid would be “dream come true” for the islanders.

The Taiwanese company is hoping to arrange the fixture at the Municipal Stadium in Taipei on August 4 with rumours already circulating of a China/Taiwan All-Star team tipped to host the Spanish outfit.

Il Corriere Dello Sport reports the €60 million rated Frenchman was telephoned by Nerazzurri patron Massimo Moratti, who tried to entice him into joining his side.

The report claims Ribery boasted to friends about his conversation with Moratti, in which he allegedly told the Italian: "I want Real Madrid, no other club."

He has been tipped to leave the Bavarian club with Real hovering in the background. Chelsea have also been connected with him, but it appears the Santiago Bernabeu is his next destination.

This comes just days after Bayern denied they were in talks with Real Madrid over a possible transfer. It is said the rejection by Ribery was the catalyst that sparked the Nerazzurri's interest in Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

A number of voices around the peninsula claim the England international could leave Anfield if the club fails to reach the top four this season.

Real Madrid limped into 2010 as they escaped from Pamplona with just a point against a gutsy Osasuna side. The hosts had the better of the chances in the first half while Gonzalo Higuain squandered Los Blancos best chance in the second 45 minutes.

Playing in difficult conditions, Osasuna had the better of a high-tempo first half. Jose Antonio Camacho's side were a threat from set pieces and used the long throw-ins of Cesar Azpilicueta to good effect in the opening period.

Real struggled to win the midfield battle and relied on the advancing Alvaro Arbeloa to produce something down the left. He was full of tricks, but all too often his team-mates couldn't capitalise on his crosses.

Osasuna came close to breaking the deadlock twice in the first half and both times it was through set-pieces.

First, it was Reversio who nodded an inviting Juanfran free-kick just wide on the half hour mark and ten minutes later Javad Nekounam forced Iker Casillas into a last ditch save, as his header from Francisco Punal's corner bounced in front of the Real Madrid shot stopper.

Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to exert his usual influence on the game as he tried to pick out white shirts who weren't on his wavelength.

The Portuguese wizard went to ground far too easily in the dying stages of the first half as he was closed down by three red shirts on the edge of the box. The former Red Devil was lucky to not pick up a booking for simulation, but Walter Pandiani wasn't so fortunate as he saw yellow for a peculiar incident moments later.

The striker got booked for intercepting a long throw from Casillas which clearly struck his head and the Uruguayan was furious.

Knowing a win would return them to the summit of La Liga, Real were more determined for the second half and went close through Marcelo, who tested Ricardo with a rasper just seconds in.

Their best chances fell to Gonzalo Higuain who was played in by Marcelo on the hour mark and dragged his shot wide of the six yard box when he had time and space to compose himself.

Moments later it was the hosts who nearly opened the scoring in a crazy minute of action.

Javier Camunas played in an excellent crossfield ball which appeared destined for Pandiani, only for Sergio Ramos to stick a leg out and prevent the danger. From his clearance the whites went on the break and it was Higuain again who broke into the box and with only the keeper to beat he put his effort skyward.

The visitors introduced Raul and Karim Benzema as they went in search of a winner. Real's summer signing from Lyon impressed with an angled drive that whizzed past the post moments after coming on.

Osasuna forced a flurry of corners in the closing stages as they more than held their own against their glamorous visitors from the capital.

Coach Camacho continued to roar his side on who were good value for their point as Real could only lament not taking advantage of Barcelona's rare slip up against Villarreal on Saturday.

Player Ratings

OSASUNA

Ricardo: 7 - Anticipated the danger well when Real broke early in the first half and punched away any threats which came his way.

Azpilicueta: 7.5 - His long thrown ins caused Real no end of problems particularly in the first half. Stole the ball from Ronaldo in the first half to set up Aranda and also created a chance for Pandiani with a curling cross which deserved better.

Roversio: 7 - Went close with a header from a corner kick and intercepted several Real attacks when the whites went in search of a winner in the second half.

Miguel Flano: 7.5 - Tested Casillas with a looping header in the second half. Made a vital intervention to deny Sergio Ramos who had space in the danger area late on.

Monreal: 6.5 - Battled with Van der Vaart and did well to continue after the latter barged him to ground early in the match.

Punal: 6 - His corner kicks were hit and miss. Given that his side forced so many he'll be disappointed not to have done better.

Nekounam: 7 - Another who tested Casillas with a downward header. He was always a threat from set-pieces.

Juanfran: 7.5 - Played in some excellent crosses and made himself available for possession given any opportunity.

Camunas: 7.5 - Along with Juanfran they were a vital outlet for the Pamplona outfit as they scooped a valuable point.

Aranda: 7 - Wrestled with Albiol and was a threat with his physical presence. Looked irked to be taken off on the hour mark and rightly so given his contribution.

Pandiani: 6.5 - Picked up a harsh booking for intercepting Casillas' clearance in the first half. Would have been the hero had his toe been able to connect with Camunas' fine cross only for Sergio Ramos to clear the danger.

Substitues

Masoud: 7.5 - A threat as soon as he came on for the last half an hour.

Ruper: - N/A

Calleja: - N/A

REAL MADRID

Casillas: 7 - Did what he needed to do to keep Osasuna at bay throughout. Made a hash of a Flano header in the second half when he would have been better claiming the ball instead of punching it.

Sergio Ramos: 7 - Wasn't on the same wavelength as Ronaldo in the first-half when his team-mate tried to put him through in a promising position in the final third. Made an important clearance to deny Pandiani in a crazy minute of action in the second half.

Garay: 6.5 - Nothing special as he and Albiol tried to get to grips with an imposing Aranda up front.

Albiol: 6.5 - Chanced a shot from range early on and enjoyed a physical battle with Aranda during the latter's hour on the pitch.

Arbeloa: 7.5 - Got forward often in the first half and showed a range of tricks to set up some half chances. Picked up a booking for a reckless challenge on Juanfran.

Lassana Diarra: 6 - Gave the ball away too often in the first half and didn't look his more dependable self on a poor night for Real.

Xabi Alonso: 6.5 - Better than Diarra but not by much. Did well to put his body on the line late on to get the ball away when Osasuna forced several corner kicks.

Cristiano Ronaldo: 6.5 - Not his best night in a Real shirt by far. Had one free kick which went well over and although he looked dangerous when he got on the ball he didn't see it enough. Went to ground too easily in the first half and should have been booked for simulation.

Marcelo: 6.5 - Had a couple of attempts from range and rasped the gloves of Ricardo with a fierce drive early in the second half. Played in a good through ball for Higuain which the striker should have done better from.

Van der Vaart: 7 - Did well before being substituted with an hour gone. Created some half chances for himself and should have stayed on longer than Higuain.

Higuain: 5.5 - Missed two golden opportunities to send Real to the summit of La Liga but left his shooting boots at home. It wasn't a surprise when he was replaced late on.

Substitutes

Benzema: 6.5 - Went close with two shots after being introduced and linked up well with Ronaldo to fire a drive which just rolled shy of the post.

nedjelja, 3. siječnja 2010.

English Premier League side Birmingham City are favourites to land Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, according to reports.

The Mail on Sunday comments that the on-form side are interested in the 33-year old, who is also being monitored by Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn, with a loan deal until the end of the season the most likely move for the veteran frontman.

A move to Liverpool had initially been the most likely destination for the former Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven striker, but Goal.com reported earlier today that boss Rafa Benitez had ruled the club out of a move, opening the door for Birmingham to make their move.

Van Nistelrooy is allegedly desperate for a return to the Premier League as he looks to force his way into contention for the Netherlands’ World Cup squad this summer, and realises that he has descended down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The main concern any prospective buyers would be the Dutchmans’ fitness concerns, as he has barely featured for Los Blancos in the past year as a result of a number of injuries that have kept him on the sidelines.

Real Madrid are set to kick off another spending spree with a mammoth bid for Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato, according to reports from Italy.

La Repubblica claims that the Milan frontman has emerged as one of Los Blancos' key targets in the winter transfer window, with coach Manuel Pellegrini intent on bolstering his squad for a title showdown with rivals Barcelona.

It is thought that the Rossoneri have indicated a refusal to negotiate with the Spanish giants. But, in a similar circumstance to their pursuit of Kaka, it is thought that a suitable bid would force Milan to consider the offer.

Pato ironically orchestrated Real Madrid’s downfall in the Champions League this season, netting twice at the Santiago Bernabeu as Milan went on to secure a famous 3-2 victory.

He made the switch to the San Siro in 2007 and is contracted until the summer of 2012, but that is unlikely to deter President Florentino Perez from making an audacious swoop.

The 20-year old is generally regarded as Brazil’s best emerging talent, and will be an important member of A Selecao for this year’s World Cup in South Africa.

Gonzalo Higuain has been discussing the highlights of his career with Real Madrid, and admitted that although he has achieved success with Los Blancos, he hopes that he has remained level headed.

Despite the influx of new signings in the summer following the return of president Florentino Perez, the exciting Argentine remains one of coach Manuel Pellegrini’s key performers this season, as the club aim to reclaim their title from rivals Barcelona.

Higuain, speaking in an interview with newspaper Ole, stated that he finds it hard to believe that he is playing with one of the biggest clubs in the world, but is concentrating on enjoying his football and performing well.

He said, “I am at a high point in my career, and at my age what has happened to me is crazy.

“This happens to very few people, and luckily for me I have the support of my family, who make sure that I keep my feet on the ground.”

The 22-year old also took time to praise his current coach, Manuel Pellegrini, who hopes that despite not being first choice initially, has proven his worth to the Chilean.

He commented, “Hopefully I have did the things that he wanted, and has ensured that we keep in touch with one of the best Barcelona teams of all time.”

subota, 2. siječnja 2010.

It wouldn’t have been a happy Christmas for the Osasuna players, who will still have had the words of Jose Antonio Camacho ringing in their ears after a 2-0 surrender away to Athletic Bilbao. Within 11 minutes of the start of that fixture they trailed by a couple of goals, and one can only imagine the carnage that may ensue should the Pamplonans afford Real Madrid a similar start on Sunday.

Consistency of any kind has been hard to find for the northerners, who have won only one of their last eight fixtures. As a result Camacho’s men are loitering in mid-table, boasting a flimsy four point cushion over the relegation zone.

Their greatest worry this term has been scoring goals, yet that has not stopped them allowing former Real youth product Javier Portillo departing for Segunda Division outfit Heracles. Having appeared just a couple of times this season in league action, his loss will not be noticeable.

Walter Pandiani will be the man the home side look to for goals, while a young rearguard will be given a thorough examination by the world’s most expensively assembled group of attacking players.

Osasuna must approach this game with the attitude that even a point would be an unexpected bonus.

Targeting A Great 2010

After watching fierce rivals Barcelona sweep all before them in 2009, Real Madrid have already staunchly indicated that their aim is for a trophy laden 2010. Somewhat unsurprisingly the ever-confident Cristiano Ronaldo has been the man to lead such cries.

“Real Madrid will be the best team of 2010. We need to have the drive and motivation to win everything that comes our way,” he told Marca. “Madrid needs to focus on winning the Champions League and La Liga, but it depends on other factors like luck, the draw. But I think we are going to win.”

And things are starting to come together for los Blancos after a difficult start to the campaign, which saw them crash out of the Copa del Rey at the hands of previously unheard of Alcorcon and lost in the Champions League to Milan.

Despite losing the first Clasico of the season 1-0 to Barca, thereby ceding their advantage in La Liga to the Catalan outfit, Manuel Pellegrini’s side have bounced back in style. European progression was booked by way of a success over Olympique de Marseille, while a hat-trick of victories in domestic play have seen them shut the gap to the leaders to just two points.

Los Blancos’ last couple of matches have been especially impressive, with a fine away win over Valencia hinting at their title credentials, which were only enhanced a week later with a thumping 6-0 win over lowly Real Zaragoza.

With such momentum building, los Merengues will be tough to stop.

FORM GUIDE

Osasuna

LOST 2-0 (a) Athletic Bilbao (La Liga, December 20)

LOST 1-0 (h) Mallorca (La Liga, December 13)

DREW 1-1 (a) Malaga (La Liga, December 6)

WON 1-0 (a) Real Zaragoza (La Liga, November 29)

LOST 3-1 (h) Valencia (La Liga, November 22)

Real Madrid

WON 6-0 (h) Real Zaragoza (La Liga, December 19)

WON 3-2 (a) Valencia (La Liga, December 12)

WON 3-1 (a) Olympique de Marseille (Champions League, December 8)

WON 4-2 (h) Almeria (La Liga, December 5)

LOST 1-0 (a) Barcelona (La Liga, November 29)

TEAM NEWS

Osasuna

There are a handful of injury problems for los Rojillos going into Sunday’s encounter. Cesar Azpilicueta, Nacho Monreal and Carlos Aranda all have problems, though all three are considered to have a good chance of taking part.

Sergio Fernandez and Oier are out. The latter is facing three months on the sidelines.

One man who certainly won’t be featuring in the forthcoming encounter is Josexto, who is banned.

Kaka grabbed the headlines on New Year’s Eve when he started training with the ball again, though it is uncertain whether he will be able to feature on Sunday. This is also the case with Rafael van der Vaart, who managed to jog on Thursday but otherwise trained individually.

Guti and Ruud van Nistlerooy continue to build their strength in the gym, while Mahamadou Diarra and Pepe are unavailable due to international duty and serious injury respectively.

Javad Nekounam recently proclaimed that he wishes to be regarded one day as Osasuna’s best ever player. The Iranian could go some way further to writing his name in the history books with a match-winning performance in the engineroom of the home side.

Real Madrid

Should he play, all eyes will be on the returning Kaka, who missed the tail-end of 2009 due to a sportsman’s hernia. The creative midfielder has thus far failed to live up to hefty summer price-tag and may just have been given a jolt due to Rafael van der Vaart’s performances while he was convalescing.

PREDICTION

Whipping boys to the extent that Zaragoza were a fortnight ago Osasuna should not be, but that does not mean that they will claim a positive result against a Real Madrid team growing in swagger and cohesion. The home side’s only hope is that los Blancos over indulged over Christmas, but don’t count on it.

Juventus are tracking Guti of Real Madrid as an alternative option to Lazio midfielder Cristian Ledesma.

According to Il Corriere Dello Sport, the Old Lady has plan B ready in case Lazio reject a €5 million bid for their man. Should that happen, Juve will abandon Ledesma and focus on bringing in the Madrid midfielder.

The report claims Guti would arrive in Turin on a free loan deal until the end of the season. The Spaniard's experience would be a welcomed addition to a Juve midfield which has appeared fallible at times this season.

Meanwhile, with the club's focus in and around Madrid, Atletico are about to rekindle their interest in Tiago. Los Colchoneros were close to signing him in the summer, only for the move stalled. However, they are now ready to have another throw at the dice for him.

British tabloid The Sun has reported that Liverpool are on the verge of signing Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who could be followed to Anfield by Dutch teammate Rafael van der Vaart.

The latter has enjoyed a unprecedented run of starts with the Spanish capital club, but knows his fate upon Kaka's inevitable return from injury, whilst former Red Devils hitman van Nistelrooy has dropped down the pecking order at the Bernabeu.

He faces stiff competition from Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema. The former has been in insatiable form so far in the season while Florentino Perez's demands of seeing his Galactico purchase see game time will ensure Benzema remains in the frame irrespective of form.

Van der Vaart and van Nistelrooy have set their sights on on a place in Bert van Marwijk's World Cup squad, and both believe that a departure from Madrid will serve their chances of a ticket to South Africa best.

petak, 1. siječnja 2010.

Cristiano Ronaldo was in buoyant mood as he looked ahead to the New Year. The most expensive footballer in history outlined his team's objectives in 2010 in an interview with Spanish sports daily Marca and made it clear that they want to displace Madrid's archrivals Barcelona as the best team in the world.

The Portuguese said, "Real Madrid will be the best team of 2010. We need to have the drive and motivation to win everything that comes our way.

"Fans and players dream about winning the Champions League. This year's final is at the Santiago Bernabeu and it's a great opportunity for us.

"Winning the Champions League [with Manchester United] was the greatest experience of my career and we don't want to let this opportunity slip through our fingers."

But the former Sporting Lisbon star warned that the Madrid supporters must not get obsessed with the Champions League and that the team should concentrate on regaining the Primera Division title as well.

"All this club talks about is Champions League, Champions League, Champions League, but we shouldn't because it puts a lot of pressure on the players. "It is better to continue doing what we are doing, which is winning games. Good things will happen, but the players don't need any added pressure.

"Madrid needs to focus on winning the Champions League and La Liga, but it depends on other factors like luck, the draw. But I think we are going to win."

Real Madrid have confirmed that their influential midfielder, Kaka, has returned to training with the ball for the first time since late November.

The 27-year-old was sidelined from all footballing action because of a groin strain but apparently he is now fit enough to train with the ball.

The Spanish club have stated in a statement that Kaka trained with the ball during Thursday's team training session. It reads, "Kaka appears to have recovered from his sports hernia and today got his first feel for the ball in several weeks. He and Cristiano Ronaldo teamed up during the second half of the session to work on various drills."

However, it is not clear whether the former Milan playmaker will feature against Osasuna in the Primera Division on Sunday. Madrid are two points behind leaders Barcelona in the title race.

About Real Madrid C.F.

Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid (and in Spain, within an adequate context, simply as el Madrid), is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. It is the most successful team in Spanish football and was voted by FIFA as the most successful club of the 20th century, having won a record thirty-one La Liga titles, seventeen Spanish Cups, a record nine European Cups and two UEFA Cups. Real was a founding member of FIFA and the now-defunct G–14 group of Europe's leading football clubs as well as its replacement, the European Club Association. The word "Real" in the club's name is the Spanish term for "Royal", and was added in 1920 together with the royal crown in the emblem.

Founded in 1902, Real Madrid has since spent all of its history in the top flight of Spanish football. In the 1940s, the club, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and the Ciudad Deportiva were rebuilt following the Spanish Civil War. The club established itself as a major force in both Spanish and European football during the 1950s. In the 1980s, the club had one of the best teams in Spain and Europe (known as La Quinta del Buitre), winning two UEFA Cups, five Spanish championships in a row, one Spanish cup and three Spanish Super Cups.

The team traditional home colours are all white, although it initially adopted a blue oblique stripe on the shirt. Its crest has been changed several times in attempts to modernise or re-brand; the current crest is a modified version of the one first adopted in the 1920s. Real's home ground is the 80,354-person-capacity Santiago Bernabéu football stadium in downtown Madrid, where it has played since 1947.

Real Madrid holds long-standing rivalries with some other clubs; the most notable of these is with FC Barcelona, the two teams regularly contest in El Clásico. Unlike most European football clubs, Real Madrid's members (socios) have owned and operated the club since its inception. The club is the world's richest football club (€351m) in terms of revenue and the second most valuable (worth over €950m as of 2008).

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